Gary Robert Maule

Gary Robert Maule, lovingly dubbed “The Plant Man” by his family, passed away unexpectedly on July 7, 2025, at his home of 3 years in Ocala, which he shared with his wife, Mary Catherine Maule, until her passing on September 22, 2024. Gary’s memory will be cherished as someone with an easy smile and laugh, and a quiet, unassuming presence. Born May 24, 1951, in Frederick, Maryland, to Andrew and Mildred Lucille Maule, Gary’s family lived in various locations around the northeast, following his father’s work for Woolworth’s department store. He considered Ashtabula and a few other small Ohio towns home. Gary lived in the Syracuse/Oneida, New York areas the bulk of his adult life, working in graphic arts for much of his career, and later, with Mary Catherine's encouragement, received a horticultural degree from SUNY Morrisville. He then worked for Turning Stone Casino in Oneida, New York for many years, happily rising with the sun to tend their plants while sharing conversation with the casino regulars. As a young man, Gary played the coronet and was a talented fine artist, creating numerous stunning paintings, sculpture, and pen-and-ink drawings. The Plant Man lived to nurture his green babies and particularly enjoyed propagating difficult-to-grow plants. He was in his element these past few years in Florida, growing his favorite succulents and other tropical varieties in the year-round warm climate. Ever the optimist and experimenter, Gary was on his third try sprouting coconuts, determined despite losing the first two rounds to chilly nights, and his fridge always contained some stratifying seeds. Along with plants, Gary and Mary also cultivated numerous friendships at the Ocala Farmers Market, in their neighborhood, and their church. They shared an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as their guide and strived to live a life in Jesus’ footsteps and succeeded in many ways. As his daughter left for school each morning as a child, Gary would lean out the door and call down the road: “Be good. Do good work!” May this simple, wise counsel shepherd us all. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Mildred Lucille (Dye) Maule and Andrew Maule, his brother Andrew Raymond Maule, and his loving wife, Mary Catherine Maule, not quite a year ago. He leaves behind sons: Craig Maule (Erin Deavours) of Atlanta GA, Matthew & Nicole (Morsdorf) Maule of Cato NY, and Andrew Maule & partner Korey Buecheler of Pinellas Park FL, and a daughter: Anne (Maule) & William Farley of Wolcott VT; beloved grandchildren: Michael, Jacob, Patrick, & Evelyn Maule, and Liam & Eloise Farley; a large extended family on Mary’s side, with whom he became dear friends; and two of the sweetest Golden Retrievers: Finnigan and Westley, who have gone to live with Matthew & Nicole's family. Gary & Mary also leave behind countless neighbors, friends, and chosen family in FL, NY, and afar. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support the gardens Gary loved: Sunken Gardens: Sunken Gardens Forever Foundation, 1825 4th St N, St Petersburg FL 34704 - Attn: SGFF, SunkenGardensFoundation@gmail.com An informal, open-house style Celebration of Life for Gary and Mary Catherine will offer an opportunity to share memories and condolences on Thursday, 8/14 from 1-4pm, at Palm Cay in Ocala, FL. Please check in at the gate house.

Gary Robert Maule

May 24, 1951 - July 7, 2025